Sisters Backcountry Hut-Hut in March

Friday, Mar. 13 thru Sunday, Mar. 15
Deschutes National Forest, OR
Advanced-Intermediate Backcountry Ski

This is a 22 mile Hut to Hut tour from Dutchman Flat near Mt Bachelor to Three Creeks Sno Park near Sisters. The route roughly follows the historic Metolius Windigo Trail at 6500’, on the eastern edge of the Three Sisters Wilderness area. We meet our shuttle Friday at 8:00 am at Three Creeks Snopark and shuttle to Dutchman Flat, where we start the tour. Friday & Saturday nights will be spent in huts along the route and Sunday evening we will drive home from Three Creeks. The terrain is ungroomed, rolling to gentle slopes with some steeper climbs. The two huts are fully stocked with food, cooking equipment, wood stove, & bunks. They provide sleeping bags as well; so you only need to carry a bag liner and your personal gear and clothing!  We can’t anticipate the weather so the snow conditions can vary from untracked powder to icy and anything in-between.

Equipment needed are metal edge skis, preferably a backcountry ski & boot. Skins are not required but can be useful depending on conditions. Classic narrow nordic skis are not really suitable but that depends on the ability of the skier. Kicker skins are recommended in that case. Good physical condition is needed to ski the distance, climb the hills, and keep up with a group.

For what is provided and photos of the huts, use this link:  http://threesistersbackcountry.com/huts/nordic-traverse-huts/

The distance between huts is only 8 miles average, which leaves time for additional skiing, exploring, or relaxing in the huts.

This trip begins early on Friday morning with a shuttle so you need to be in Sisters the night before. Carpooling will be arranged and shared lodging can also be coordinated among the group but that will be an additional expense.  We usually rent rooms at the Best Western in Sisters which comes with a hearty breakfast included.

Cost includes a shuttle, two nights in huts, food for 2 days & 2 nights with beer included!  Additional expenses will be carpool transportation expense and food & lodging in Sisters Thursday night.

Trip limit:  8 participants including trip leader.
Cost: $340/member, per person.  Includes 2 nights lodging.
Carpool miles:  320 miles roundtrip from Portland.
Trip Leader:  Susan Watt, susniam@gmail.com